In pictures: Desert horse-racing

Spectators pay the equivalent of $1 to watch the races from a sheltered seat - those prepared to stand in the sun pay 20 cents.

Most spectators are men - of all ages. The women at the races are there to sell water and fruit juice.

Many spectators would like to bet on the races - betting on horse-racing is an obsession for many Malians - but they can only bet legally on French races broadcast on Malian radio and television.